Freshman Tracker: Jake Seibert Is Perfect And Three Other Freshmen Also Make Their Ohio State Debuts

A game against Rutgers usually translates to lots of playing time for Ohio State's scholarship freshmen. Although 13 of the 25 youngsters saw the field, it wasn't the freshmanpalooza we're used to in this kind of matchup.

The Buckeyes did coast in the 49-27 victory over the Scarlet Knights, but it was the coasting that kept the freshmen from seeing more playing time.

With that said, a season-high six freshmen etched their names in the stat sheet last night. Including four players making their Ohio State debuts. Earlier this week, placekicker Jake Seibert shed his black stripe. A few days later, he was a perfect 7 of 7 on point-after tries as he filled in for the injured Blake Haubeil.

Ryan Watts made the most of his first game. The cornerback from Texas' Little Elm High school was credited with the first three tackles of his career. Quarterback CJ Stroud and running back Miyan Williams were called upon for the last play of the game. Stroud took the shotgun snap and gave the ball to Williams who plowed ahead for a 5-yard gain.

Linebacker Cody Simon has played in all three games this season, with most of his experience being on the kickoff coverage team. Last night, he was able to take five snaps with the defense and recorded his first career tackle. Cornerback Lathan Ransom joined Simon on the kickoff coverage unit, but did not take a defensive snap.

Larry Johnson was able to provide defensive tackle Darrion Henry-Young and defensive end Ty Hamilton some valuable reps. Hamilton got the nod late in the game and participated in 13 of the last 17 snaps of the game. Henry-Young's number was called for two plays late in the contest.  

How much faith does Ryan Day have in his talented trio of receivers? Early in the second quarter, the 13:46 mark to be exact, Day had all three pups on the field at the same time. Fleming, Scott and Smith-Njigba were Fields' receivers on four consecutive plays. On first down, the Heisman candidate dropped a dime to a wide open Fleming. Unfortunately, Fleming was unable to complete the catch.

On second down, Fields connected with Smith-Njigba for a 19-yard completion and first down. Unfortunately, a holding penalty negated the gain, and the catch was stricken from the books. Two snaps later, Ohio State was facing 4th and 8, when Day stealthily used Steele Chambers and gained 38 yards on the fake punt.

That series was the only time the trio were on the field offensively at the same time. Smith-Njigba finished the game with 27 offensive snaps, 2 receptions for -1 yard and was on the kickoff return hands team. Fleming squeezed the most out of his 12 offensive snaps as he hauled in one of his two targets for a nice 27 yard gain. After the second-quarter series, Scott Jr. didn't see another offensive play until the start of the 4th quarter.  

The other freshmen to see offensive playing time against Schiano's Scarlet Knights were offensive linemen Paris Johnson Jr. and Luke Wypler. Johnson Jr. also blocked on all seven extra points. 

Like Rutgers, Maryland is expected to be another game in which the young pups can get some experience. After The Terrapins put a beatdown on Penn State that might not be the case. It was somewhat surprising to see the starters on the field for the majority of the game against Rutgers. It will be interesting to see if Day continues that trend at Maryland.

The NCAA gave all players a free year of eligibility this season, so Ohio State does not have to worry about preserving redshirts for its freshmen this year.